Ambulance staff formed a guard of honour as they gathered to say goodbye to a much-loved colleague.

Ambulance technician David Edwards, who served in Medway for 35 years, has passed away at the age of 59.

His funeral was held at St Augustine’s Church, Gillingham, on Wednesday, where his colleagues formed a guard of honour before the service.

David, known as DJ to everyone at the ambulance station, was described as a prankster who loved to play practical jokes on people.

Les Gilling, who worked with David since they both joined the service in 1974, said: “He had a wicked sense of humour. He was always talking and he could make anyone laugh, no matter how miserable they were. His laugh was infectious.”

“He loved his job. He loved meeting people and he loved the camaraderie at work.

“DJ was a great person to have around and a great person to work with. Everyone has lots of fond memories of him and a story to tell about him.

“DJ was one of life’s great characters. He will be greatly missed.”

David, of Hamlin Road, Gillingham, passed away on March 11 after a short illness.